Tesla presents the $0.06 quarter-mile run

How much fun can you have for six cents? Depends on how much fun you consider crushing a Dodge Viper on the quarter-mile in a Tesla Model S.

We showed you a video of that feat a while ago. Since then, the folks at dragtimes.com have worked through all the calculations necessary to get a rough idea of how much that run, and others like it, cost. Be sure to check out all the details, but here's the gist:

Energy consumption for the quarter-mile run was 1.1 kWh, but regenerative braking put 0.6 kWh back into the battery pack. This works out to a net energy usage of just 0.5 kWh -- which at roughly $0.12 per kWh in southern Florida works out to six cents.

Not bad, especially as we Detroiters look at gas prices averaging just over $4/gallon.

Don't get us wrong: We love the roar of internal combustion engines and the overpowering smell of exhaust and burning rubber. It's all part of what makes high-performance events (whether circuit races or drag runs or even just getting a little punchy with the throttle at a stop light) such an invigorating, multi-sensory experiences.

But the thought of family sedans that can smoke supercars while costing pennies to recharge makes us wonder whether it might make sense to reserve the big blocks for the weekend at some point down the road -- perhaps when entry-level cars can boast Model S performance.

At least we'll still be able to enjoy the smell of burning rubber.

By Graham Kozak